How to Become a Postmaster: Salary and Career Facts

Research what it takes to become a postmaster. Learn about education requirements, job duties, average wages, and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.

What Is a Postmaster?

A postmaster is the person in charge of a U.S. post office or network of post offices. Postmasters perform a variety of administrative duties, such as supervising employees, creating work schedules, and overseeing the ingoing and outgoing mail processes. Along with knowledge of management principles, postmasters should also possess the technical skills and knowledge of software programs used to successfully fulfil the day-to-day duties.

The following chart gives you an overview of the requirements for becoming a postmaster.

Degree Required

High school diploma

Training Required

Associate Supervisor Program (ASP) is provided by the U.S. Postal Service

How Can I Become a Postmaster?

According to announcements of new postmasters released by the United States Postal Service (USPS), there is no formal path to becoming a postmaster (www.usps.com). In most cases, you can work your way up through the ranks of a post office. The USPS primarily promotes from within; therefore, you may need to start in an entry-level role - such as letter carrier, mail processor, or clerk - and seek promotions over time. You may then work as a supervisor of a department within a post office, such as customer service.

What Might the Job Entail?

As a postmaster, it's your responsibility to manage the operational and administrative aspects of a U.S. post office or group of post offices. The efficient and expedient processing of incoming and outgoing mail will be supervised and directed by you. When new postal services become available or postal laws and policies change, you'll make announcements and ensure compliance.

Your job will also include hiring, training and developing post office staff and letter carriers. Other administrative tasks that fall under your purview include the overall financial operations of the post office, from collecting rents for post office boxes to controlling costs. Additionally, you'll be in charge of resolving conflicts ranging from employee labor disputes to customer grievances.

What Training Will I Need?

There is no specific degree or training program required for you to become a postmaster; however, many postmasters pursue an internal training program offered through the USPS called the Associate Supervisor Program (ASP). Requiring 16 weeks of study, ASP includes both classroom-based and on-the-job training. You'll learn the technical and managerial skills that are useful for the postmaster role. While an ASP trainee, the USPS will assign you a coach to guide you through the program while planning your future career.

What Is the Outlook and Salary?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 14,770 postmasters and mail superintendents in 2015. Employment is expected to decrease 26% between 2014 and 2024 (www.bls.gov). As of 2015, BLS reported a median salary for postmasters of $70,640 per year, which breaks down to $33.96 per hour.

What Are Some Similar Careers?

Administrative services managers oversee the workings of an organization's support system, planning and coordinating actions that can even include sorting and distributing mail to employees. General and operations managers are similar, managing unspecific tasks necessary for an organization to run smoothly that cannot be classified under a single area of management. Majority of workers in these two positions possess at least a bachelor's degree.

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